Category Manager at Frontier Co-op in Norway, Iowa

Job Description:

Summary
Frontier Co-op is looking for an analytically minded storyteller to join its Category Management team. This role is can either be remote based or in-person in Norway, IA.

The Category Manager directly supports the Sales and Marketing teams in developing consumer and customer focused strategies to help grow our customers and Frontier Co-ops sales. This individual will conduct high quality analysis and synthesize multiple data sources to generate insights and actionable recommendations, while leveraging effective communication & influencing skills to orchestrate action with Frontier Co-ops key customers. The candidate must possess sound business judgment, excellent communication skills and demonstrate experience in the following areas: POS and panel data analysis, assortment planning, promotion analysis, presentation development and building productive relationships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
Become the go to category expert for data and insights for assigned retailers across Frontiers portfolio of brands and categories utilizing a variety of POS, panel and internal sourcesBuild comprehensive knowledge of the products, attributes, strategies, tactics, and competitive trends at the category, channel and retailer levelLeverage data from multiple sources to create impactful analytics and selling stories to identify risks, opportunities, and performance gaps(ie. distribution, assortment mix, incrementally, size, shelving, placement)Leverage support from internal resources and third-party vendors to supplement and enhance impactful insights and selling stories to defend and grow Frontier Co-ops distribution at assigned retailersEmploy strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to recognize and anticipate issues and opportunities by elevating analyses beyond reporting and translate insight into retail execution recommendationsHelp track Co-op wide, and department specific, fiscal year KPIs each fiscal yearProvide ad-hoc category management reporting, category and macro analysis, customized reports, and special project work directly to internal / external leaders as necessaryKeeps abreast of developments and best practices in Category Management, pursue the knowledge needed to improve departmental capabilities and professional agilityAttend relevant webinars, keep abreast of articles and industry research and share out relevant insights with internal key stakeholders

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS
Need to Have:
Extensive experience understanding, utilizing, and employing syndicated data, customer card/POS data, and panel data to drive internal and external wins through sales and share growth (experience with data sources such as Nielsen, IRI, Numerator, 84.51, dunnhumby, SPINS, Stratum)Ability to distill complex data into simple storiesDemonstrated ability to build indispensable, collaborative partnerships with retail customers and internal business partners, across functional teamsHighly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint)Exceptional communication skills verbal, written & presentationStrong planning/organizing skills; the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneouslyAbility to travel occasionally (<10%) to Frontier HQ in Norway, IA, trade shows, industry conferences and key customer meetings

Nice to Have:
CPCM (Certified Professional Category Manager) and/or Masters degreeExperience managing relationships with third party companies, including brokers and data/insight providersWorking knowledge of retail merchandising and in store execution tacticsExperience in Natural Product industry

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Management, Accounting, Data Analytics, or related field or equivalent experienceA minimum of 3-5 years of experience in consumer goods, retail, or syndicated data with a focus on category management, sales, business analytics and/or shopper insights

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and/or fingers to type, handle, or feel; talk or hear; and view a computer monitor or video display.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate if working onsite in Norway office.